The Andrews Labor Government is backing Australian Consolidated Milk’s (ACM) huge new dairy manufacturing facility in Girgarre – creating 50 jobs and strengthening the dairy sector in northern Victoria.
ACM is based in Kyabram, is one of Australia’s fastest growing dairy companies, with 185 dairy farmers supplying 330,000 litres of milk for distribution to various milk processors, yogurt producers and cheese makers.
The Labor Government is supporting ACM’s investment in the Girgarre project to create new jobs, expand exports and help workers affected by the closure of the Murray Goulburn processing facility in Rochester.
The $55 million project will deliver a new dairy processing plant that will produce milk powders, butter and cream from both organic and conventional milk for domestic and export markets.
The new facility will be capable of generating an estimated $15 million each year in new dairy exports. Construction of the new facility is well underway, with commissioning to begin in late November and commercial production of milk powder and butter expected by April 2019.
Construction of the facility is supporting 100 jobs, with plenty of opportunity for local contractors to secure work. ACM will also provide opportunities for former Murray Goulburn workers to upskill and work at the new facility.
The Girgarre processing plant will be built on ACM’s existing Curr Road site, which is part of the former Heinz tomato sauce factory site and well connected to freight routes and essential infrastructure.
Dairy is a key agricultural industry in regional Victoria, accounting for more than 65 per cent of annual national milk production and 80 per cent of Australia’s dairy exports worth $1.7 billion in 2016-17.
The Labor Government is supporting ACM’s expansion in Girgarre through the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, which invests in projects that make regional Victoria a better place to live, work and do business.
As noted by Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Jaala Pulford
"We’re proud to support Australian Consolidated Milk’s new venture in Girgarre, which will create 50 much needed jobs."
"This investment will make a real difference for this region – with more jobs for locals and even more incredible, Victorian-made dairy products on supermarket shelves."
As noted by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"This is great news for northern Victoria’s dairy sector, with a new processing option for famers in the area and a bright future for our booming dairy export market."
